Reworkable Splice Module for Fiber Optic Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of terminating fiber optic cables with hundreds or thousands of fibers is tedious, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, as it involves manually threading and connectorizing optical fibers, which lacks efficiency in rework and testing processes.
Innovation Solution
A splice module with a main channel and a rework channel that allows multiple attempts at splicing trunk cable fibers to pigtail fibers, enabling re-splicing and testing, even after initial splices are encapsulated, with the ability to shift splice locations and store reworked splices in a separate compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rework attempts are allowed in the same channel, then the splice location can be shifted to accommodate rework, but the channel must be sufficiently long to accommodate multiple splice locations
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into multiple sections: an initial splice section and a rework section. The initial splice section accommodates the first splice location, while the rework section provides additional space for rework attempts after the initial splice is made. This segmentation allows the channel to accommodate multiple splice locations without requiring the entire channel to be excessively long.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by creating a separate rework section adjacent to the initial splice section. Instead of extending the channel length uniformly to accommodate multiple splice locations, the channel uses a multi-sectional approach where the rework section provides the necessary additional space for rework attempts without proportionally increasing the overall channel length.
2Reliability
If the main channel is sealed after initial splicing, then the splice is protected and stabilized, but rework becomes difficult unless a separate rework channel is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into an initial splice section and a rework section. The initial splice section can be sealed to protect and stabilize the initial splice, while the rework section remains accessible for rework attempts. This segmentation allows the system to provide both protection for completed splices and accessibility for rework operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rework section acts as an intermediary space that allows access to trunk cable fibers for rework operations without compromising the sealed initial splice section. This intermediary section enables technicians to perform rework on specific fibers while the initial splice section remains protected and stabilized.
3Ease of repair
If trunk cable fibers are accessed and severed for rework in the main channel, then re-splicing can be performed, but the splice location shifts and requires additional channel length
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into an initial splice section and a rework section. When trunk cable fibers need to be accessed and severed for rework, the rework section provides the necessary space for these operations. The rework section accommodates the shifted splice location resulting from rework without requiring the entire channel to be excessively long.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the channel length uniformly to accommodate splice location shifts during rework, the patent uses a multi-sectional approach where the rework section provides concentrated additional space for rework operations. This dimensional approach allows re-splicing capability while minimizing the overall channel length requirement.
4Reliability
If a rework channel is provided separate from the main channel, then rework can be performed without compromising the main channel splices, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure is segmented into an initial splice section and a rework section, which are functionally separate but integrated within the same channel assembly. This segmentation allows rework operations to be performed without compromising the integrity of main channel splices, while the integrated design minimizes the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The initial splice section and rework section are merged into a single channel assembly that shares common structural elements and housing. This merging approach provides separate functional spaces for initial splicing and rework operations while minimizing the overall device complexity compared to having completely separate channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A splice module includes a main splicing channel and a rework channel. The main splicing channel has an encapsulated section at which one or more initial splices can be stored. The main splicing channel also includes a non-encapsulated section through which trunk cable fibers of the initial splices extend. If re-splicing is needed, the trunk cable fibers can be accessed at the non-encapsulated section, cut, and re-spliced to a new connectorized pigtail or other optical fibers.